We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for the top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Tigerair is one of the most punctual airlines in Australia
Operational improvements and the Virgin-effect have not only made Tigerair a symbol for reformed budget airlines, but also one of Australia’s most punctual carriers.
The airline that once carried a bad rep amongst the Australian public has recorded the best on-time performance for low-cost carriers during the 2015 calendar year.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, around 84.2 percent of Tigerair services departed on-time last year. This was well ahead of its budget rival, Jetstar, which had around 76.2 percent punctual departures.
2. Travelmarvel’s tips THIS country to be hot in 2017
Travelmarvel is tipping Sri Lanka to become one of its most popular emerging destinations for 2017.
The prediction comes after experiencing strong sales for the country in 2016, which General Manager David Cox, believes is a result of the destination “opening up to overseas tourism”.
Among the more popular Travelmarvel itineraries for the destination is the 12-day Splendours of Sri Lanka tour taking in Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Ahungalla and Colombo.
3. When Melly met Welly… and Nelly in Wellington
Melbourne has found its perfect Kiwi soul mates and the word is spreading thanks to new campaign titled ‘When Melly met Welly… and Nelly’.
Launched today, the campaign celebrates one year of Jetstar flying direct between Melbourne and Wellington.
When Melly meets Welly…and Nelly stars Melbourne comedian Ash Williams as ‘Melly’, who discovers a kindred spirit just a short flight across the ditch, in like-minded destinations Wellington and Nelson.
4. G Adventures brings the Galapagos to Sydney
Experience the Galapagos in Sydney? Sounds impossible, but that’s exactly the experience G Adventures and roomsXML delivered to agents during a recent micro-famil.
We’re not talking power point presentations, roadshows or even virtual reality here, we’re talking a recreation of some of the destination’s highlights right at our doorstep.
G Adventures’ Global Purpose Specialist (GPS) Dan Coleman (who is also a pretty loveable chap) scoured the city in search for similarities between the land down under and one of the most desired travel destinations.
5. Is it possible to fly germ-free?
We all know the facts (although most choose to ignore them) – planes are a flying metal compound of germs from the seats to the lavatories and let’s not get started on what’s sitting on those table trays.
No matter how thorough an airline may be during pre and post-flight cleaning, all sanitisation efforts go out the aircraft door the moment passengers steps on board. Let’s face it, we’re all walking blood bags of germs.
A Sydney-based specialist firm in the treatment and protection of plant and equipment says it may have found the solution to cleaner flying and it comes in the form of an antimicrobial product.
6. Real experience on offer for tourism students
‘Real life work experience’ will be the focus at this year’s The Hotel Career Expo, to highlight the importance of experience when kick-starting a career in the hotel industry.
Taking place on 16 May at the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney, the Hotel Live Experience will include over 50 different packages with over 500 places available, created by some of the leading names in the hotel business – including Hilton, Accor, Shangri-La, Marriott and Four Seasons.
The Hotel Live Experience will allow the next generation of hotel leaders to gain unique insights into the various professional pathways and careers available within the hotel industry.
Packages vary from one-week internships with the NSW President of The Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering to a day of experience in Events Management with Accor.
Click here for more information about The Hotel Career Expo.
7. Price freeze! TTC locks in select 2016 prices for 2017
The Travel Corporation (TTC) is helping agents grow their group business and maximise their earning potential by locking in Trafalgar and Insight Vacations 2016 prices for 2017 on all deposited Allocations and Customs Groups for a limited time only.
TTC says the latest initiative provides consultants with the perfect tool to secure group bookings this year.
For more information agents can contact their local Sales Managers or email: groups@trafalgartours.com.au – groups@insightvacations.com.au
8. Scenic launches Nth Degree brochure
Scenic has launched a mini brochure on its Nth degree, to help guests understand all the ways that it goes above and beyond on every cruise and tour.
All-Inclusive Wonders – The Nth Degree includes information on Scenic’s team of Journey Designers and how they handcraft their itineraries to deliver an extra special experience plus all the extras that guests can enjoy as part of their cruise or tour – from the local guides that share the hidden gems of their country and the modified ‘pop top’ Land Cruisers in East Africa to allow easier wildlife spotting to Scenic’s exclusive partnership with the full range of Fairmont Resorts and Hotels in North America.
Agents can order their copies of All-Inclusive Wonders – The Nth Degree from TIFS. It is also available online.
9. Emirates orders two more A380s
Emirates is adding to its jumbo fleet with an order for two new A380 aircraft, scheduled for delivery during the fourth quarter of 2017.
According to the carrier’s President, Sir Tim Clark, the two planes will replace capacity from 30 older aircraft, which will retire from the fleet over the next two years.
The new A380s will be in two-class configuration and feature Emirates’ industry-leading products including, the iconic Onboard Lounge where Business Class passengers can socialise at 40,000 feet, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment ice with over 2,500 channels and free Wi-Fi.
10. Travellers Choice famil was a scream – literally
Seven award-winning Travellers Choice consultants experienced both pleasure and pain on a recent famil aboard Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess.
The five-night sailing from Singapore to Thailand saw the group indulge in some traditional Thai massages, but according to Managing Director, Christian Hunter, they weren’t quite as relaxing as expected.
Hunter said people were “literally jumping up and down” their backs while twisting their bodies into unbelievable positions. He admitted that while it may not have been soothing, it “was certainly very memorable”.
The rest of the trip saw the group indulge in a bit of onboard karaoke, take a shopping excursion in Ko Samui and try out the Battlestar Galactica: Cylon ride at Universal Studios in Singapore – #jealous.
P.S. Tourists spending the most on accommodation in the US are…
Surprisingly, South Africans.
According to a new study by Hotels.com, South Africans are spending on average $207 per night for a hotel room, $5 more than the second highest spenders, the Japanese.
Travellers from Norway came in third by spending around $201 per night last year. The figure is actually down from the $221 average per night spent in 2014.
Australians were the sixth nationality to fork out a fair bit of cash for accommodation, with an average of $199 per night, down from $210 the prior year.